What does being good mean

PROLOG

Following is a story I tell to children.  If you will, imagine sitting in a living room a week or two before Christmas. I have several young children around me.  One or two are no longer believers, but they, along with the adults, pay attention as I tell this story

 Santa Claus gathered all the children around a cozy, crackling fire in the heart of the North Pole. One night every week, Santa and Mrs. Claus invited all the children of the Elves into the reading room.  The children had been eagerly awaiting their arrival.  They knew that they would soon be served some warm hot chocolate garnished with homemade marshmallows and thin candy canes to stir and flavor the drink.  What new cookie would Santa be bringing for them to try? They were excited to hear a special story from Santa himself.

With a twinkle in his eye and a merry smile, Santa began, "My dear young friends, tonight I want to tell you a story about the true meaning of being good. Being good isn't just about avoiding naughty deeds; it's about the kindness we show and the help we offer others, even in the simplest ways.  We do it because it is the right thing to do.  We do not do it to get on the good list.”  

Santa paused momentarily, allowing the children to lean in closer to listen.  We all know that Santa is a big man and has a way of belting out his famous HO HO HO.  But when it comes to his story time his voice is soft and gentle.  He chooses his words and phrases carefully. "Let me tell you about a young boy named Tommy," he continued. "Tommy lived in a small town where everyone knew one another, just like we do here at the North Pole. But what set Tommy apart was his heart full of kindness."

Santa described how Tommy would wake up every morning and make his bed without being asked. He'd help his parents with chores around the house, like setting the table, doing the dishes, and taking out the trash, all without a complaint. "Tommy understood that being good meant helping his family, not because he had to, but because he wanted to," Santa explained.

The children nodded in understanding as Santa went on. "Being good also means being a friend," he said. "One day, Tommy noticed a new boy in class who seemed lonely and scared. Instead of ignoring him, Tommy smiled warmly, introduced himself, and offered to show the new boy around. From that day forward, they became best friends, and Tommy's kindness made the new boy feel welcome and loved."

Santa then shifted his focus to another example. "And let's not forget about picking up after ourselves," he chuckled. "One sunny afternoon, Tommy was playing at the park and noticed a discarded sandwich wrapper on the ground. Even though it wasn't his, Tommy bent down, picked it up, and threw it away in the nearest trash can. He understood that being good means caring for our environment and making the world a cleaner, better place for everyone."

The children listened attentively, their eyes wide with wonder and understanding. Santa continued, "You see, my dear friends, being good isn't just about avoiding the naughty list. It's about being kind, helpful, and considerate to those around us, whether it's our family, friends, or even our planet. It's about improving the world through our actions and spreading warmth and love to everyone we meet."

Giving Prancer a handful of brussels sprouts is as important as asking Mrs. Claus if she needs help washing the dishes. The most crucial good deed you do is the deed that no one else knows about, just as my friend Tommy did.  On the home many times, he would stop and play with the neighbor's dog, who was lonely as its master had to work long hours.  

As Santa concluded his story, the children couldn't help but feel inspired. They understood that being good went far beyond just following rules; it was about the love and kindness they could share with the world. With smiles and warmth, they wished Santa a Merry Christmas and vowed to be good for the holiday season and every day of the year.

As Santa returned to his quarters, one of the North Pole elves, Selfie Elfie, approached him.  “Santa, that was a very inspiring story.  I captured it on my phone.  Would you mind if I did a quick edit, and we can post it on YouTube?”

We may see that post someday!